First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

INTRODUCTION: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. CONCLUSION: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

Monkeypox outbreak predominantly affecting men who have sex with men, Madrid, Spain, 26 April to 16 June 2022.

Up to 22 June 2022, 508 confirmed cases of monkeypox (MPX) have been reported in the Madrid region of Spain, 99% are men (n = 503) with a median age of 35 years (range: 18-67). In this ongoing outbreak, 427 cases (84.1%) reported condomless sex or sex with multiple partners within the 21 days before onset of symptoms, who were predominantly men who have sex with men (MSM) (n = 397; 93%). Both the location of the rash, mainly in the anogenital and perineal area, as well as the presence of inguinal lymphadenopathy suggest that close physical contact during sexual activity played a key role in transmission. Several cases reported being at a sauna in the city of Madrid (n = 34) or a mass event held on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria (n = 27), activities which may represent a conducive environment for MPX virus spread, with many private parties also playing an important role. Because of the rapid implementation of MPX surveillance in Madrid, one of the largest outbreaks reported outside Africa was identified. To minimise transmission, we continue to actively work with LGBTIQ+ groups and associations, with the aim of raising awareness among people at risk and encouraging them to adopt preventive measures.

First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

INTRODUCTION: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. CONCLUSION: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

[Tuberculosis trend in Madrid region in native and foreign population (2009-2018).] / Tendencia de la tuberculosis en la Comunidad de Madrid en población autóctona y extranjera (2009-2018).

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculosis is a major public health problem and most cases are concentrated in vulnerable populations. The objective was to describe the incidence rates trend in native and foreign population (2009-2018) in Madrid Region. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of cases from the Tuberculosis Regional Registry of cases of Madrid Region 2009-2018. Annual incidence rates were calculated by country of birth (Spain, other), sex and age group (<15, 15-34, 35-44, 45-64, >64), using the annual January 1st continuous register population. The infection rate trend and the annual percentage change (APC) were calculated, along with the best jointpoint adjustment using Jointpoint regression. RESULTS: 7,696 cases were analyzed, 48.2% were foreign-born individuals. Average age in native population was 50 years old (SD: 23.96) and 35 (DS: 36.64) in foreign-born individuals (p<0.001). The overall incidence rate decreased from 17.30 in 2009 to 9.00 per 100,000 in 2018 and was higher in men. Pulmonary tuberculosis reduced from 11.90 to 6.55. Among native population, the incidence of TB fell from 10.29 to 5.24 with an APC of -7.3% (95%IC: -8.9; -5.7) (p<0.05), no jointpoint was identified. Among foreign-born individuals the incidence of tuberculosis declined from 46.54 to 25.49, a joint point was identified in 2013, observing an incidence decrease for the period 2009-2013 and APC of -13.8% (IC95%: -17.5; -10.0). CONCLUSIONS: The global incidence rate in this period has decreased by approximately 7% per year. However, this reduction occurred mainly in native population. In foreign-born individuals the incidence decreased by approximately 14% during the 2009-2013 period, after this period there have been no significant incidence changes.

OBJETIVO: La tuberculosis (TB) continúa siendo un problema importante de salud pública, debido a que la mayoría de los casos se concentran en población vulnerable. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la tendencia de las tasas de incidencia en población autóctona y extranjera (2009-2018) en la Comunidad de Madrid (CM). METODOS: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de casos del Registro Regional de casos de Tuberculosis de la CM en el período 2009-2018. Se calcularon tasas de incidencia anual por cada 100.000 habitantes, por país de nacimiento (España, fuera de España), sexo y grupo de edad (<15, 15-34, 35-44, 45-64, >64), utilizando las poblaciones de padrón continuo a 1 de enero de cada año. Se calculó la tendencia de las tasas de incidencia y el porcentaje anual de cambio (APC), así como el mejor ajuste del punto de inflexión utilizando la regresión de Jointpoint. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 7.696 casos, siendo el 48,2% en personas nacidas fuera de España. La edad media en población autóctona fue de 50 años (DS: 23,96) y 35 (DS: 36,64) en inmigrante (p<0,001). La tasa de incidencia global pasó de 17,30 por cada 100.000 habitantes en 2009 a 9 en 2018, siendo superior en hombres. La incidencia de tuberculosis pulmonar pasó de 11,90 a 6,55. En población autóctona, la incidencia de TB pasó de 10,29 a 5,24, con un APC de -7,3% (IC95%: -8,9; -5,7; p<0,05), y no se identificó ningún punto de inflexión. En población extranjera la incidencia de tuberculosis pasó de 46,54 a 25,49, identificándose un punto de inflexión en 2013, con una disminución más acusada de la incidencia para el periodo 2009-2013 debido a un APC de -13,8% (IC95%: -17,5; -10,0). CONCLUSIONES: La tasa de incidencia global en este periodo disminuye cerca de un 7% anual; sin embargo, esta disminución de la incidencia se produce fundamentalmente en población autóctona. En población extranjera la incidencia desciende cerca de un 14% durante el periodo 2009-2013. Tras este periodo no hay cambios significativos en la incidencia.

Tendencia de la tuberculosis en la Comunidad de Madrid en población autóctona y extranjera (2009-2018) / Tuberculosis trend in Madrid region in native and foreign population (2009-2018)

OBJETIVO: La tuberculosis (TB) continúa siendo un problema importante de salud pública, debido a que la mayoría de los casos se concentran en población vulnerable. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la tendencia de las tasas de incidencia en población autóctona y extranjera (2009-2018) en la Comunidad de Madrid (CM). MÉTODOS: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de casos del Registro Regional de casos de Tuberculosis de la CM en el período 2009-2018. Se calcularon tasas de incidencia anual por cada 100.000 habitantes, por país de nacimiento (España, fuera de España), sexo y grupo de edad (<15, 15-34, 35-44, 45-64, >64), utilizando las poblaciones de padrón continuo a 1 de enero de cada año. Se calculó la tendencia de las tasas de incidencia y el porcentaje anual de cambio (APC), así como el mejor ajuste del punto de inflexión utilizando la regresión de Jointpoint. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 7.696 casos, siendo el 48,2% en personas nacidas fuera de España. La edad media en población autóctona fue de 50 años (DS: 23,96) y 35 (DS: 36,64) en inmigrante (p < 0,001). La tasa de incidencia global pasó de 17,30 por cada 100.000 habitantes en 2009 a 9 en 2018, siendo superior en hombres. La incidencia de tuberculosis pulmonar pasó de 11,90 a 6,55. En población autóctona, la incidencia de TB pasó de 10,29 a 5,24, con un APC de -7,3% (IC95%: -8,9; -5,7; p < 0,05), y no se identificó ningún punto de inflexión. En población extranjera la incidencia de tuberculosis pasó de 46,54 a 25,49, identificándose un punto de inflexión en 2013, con una disminución más acusada de la incidencia para el periodo 2009-2013 debido a un APC de -13,8% (IC95%: -17,5; -10,0). CONCLUSIONES: La tasa de incidencia global en este periodo disminuye cerca de un 7% anual; sin embargo, esta disminución de la incidencia se produce fundamentalmente en población autóctona. En población extranjera la incidencia desciende cerca de un 14% durante el periodo 2009-2013. Tras este periodo no hay cambios significativos en la incidencia

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculosis is a major public health problem and most cases are concentrated in vulnerable populations. The objective was to describe the incidence rates trend in native and foreign population (2009-2018) in Madrid Region. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of cases from the Tuberculosis Regional Registry of cases of Madrid Region 2009-2018. Annual incidence rates were calculated by country of birth (Spain, other), sex and age group (<15, 15-34, 35-44, 45-64, >64), using the annual January 1st continuous register population. The infection rate trend and the annual percentage change (APC) were calculated, along with the best jointpoint adjustment using Jointpoint regression. RESULTS: 7,696 cases were analyzed, 48.2% were foreign-born individuals. Average age in native population was 50 years old (SD: 23.96) and 35 (DS: 36.64) in foreign-born individuals (p < 0.001). The overall incidence rate decreased from 17.30 in 2009 to 9.00 per 100,000 in 2018 and was higher in men. Pulmonary tuberculosis reduced from 11.90 to 6.55. Among native population, the incidence of TB fell from 10.29 to 5.24 with an APC of -7.3% (95%IC: -8.9; -5.7) (p < 0.05), no jointpoint was identified. Among foreign-born individuals the incidence of tuberculosis declined from 46.54 to 25.49, a joint point was identified in 2013, observing an incidence decrease for the period 2009-2013 and APC of -13.8% (IC95%: -17.5; -10.0). CONCLUSIONS: The global incidence rate in this period has decreased by approximately 7% per year. However, this reduction occurred mainly in native population. In foreign-born individuals the incidence decreased by approximately 14% during the 2009-2013 period, after this period there have been no significant incidence changes

Autochthonous Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Spain.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widely distributed, viral, tickborne disease. In Europe, cases have been reported only in the southeastern part of the continent. We report two autochthonous cases in Spain. The index patient acquired the disease through a tick bite in the province of Ávila - 300 km away from the province of Cáceres, where viral RNA from ticks was amplified in 2010. The second patient was a nurse who became infected while caring for the index patient. Both were infected with the African 3 lineage of this virus. (Funded by Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales [RICET] and Efficient Response to Highly Dangerous and Emerging Pathogens at EU [European Union] Level [EMERGE].).